Orel Anthony (Tony/ Pee-Wee) Schadel Jr., 80, passed away January 15, 2021 at the University of Kansas Health Systems, Pawnee Valley Campus, Larned, KS. He was born March 20, 1940 in Cliffside Park, NJ., the son of Orel A. Schadel Sr. and Mary B. Pikulski Schadel.
He graduated from Burdett High School in 1959 and attended college on a dual track and football scholarship at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS.
In August 1960 he joined the United States Navy, serving his country for 20 years. A proud Navy Veteran, he was stationed at various locations around the world including the Philippine Islands; Norfolk, VA; New Zealand (Antarctica); Vietnam and San Diego, CA.
In June of 1961 he married Barbara A. Bauer. They had four children. They divorced in January 1978. On June 4, 1982 he married Linda A. (Stuckey) Johnson in Larned, KS., she survives.
He was a lifetime resident of Burdett, KS. except while serving in the Navy. Upon retirement in 1980 he worked briefly at Cross Manufacturing, Lewis, KS. and then as a drug/alcohol counselor at Sunrise House in Larned, KS. In 1982 he began driving a semi for others but eventually became owner/operator of TLS Trucking, retiring in 2002.
He was involved in the community as a member of the Burdett Seniors and the American Legion Post 280, currently serving as the commander. He was of the Christian faith.
He enjoyed attending Pawnee Heights sporting events supporting and cheering the students. In 2005 he became involved with Pawnee Heights golfing as a driver to practice and matches as well as an assistant coach. He became the head golf coach from 2009 to 2016. Affectionately known as G-Pa, he helped coach several students to state competition.
He loved spending time with his family and friends, having afternoon coffee at Golden Valley CO-OP, driving trips with his son-in-law, lake trips, game nights, puzzles, golf, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and happily awaiting the arrival of the newest in March and known by family and friends as “The Old Sailor”.
Survivors include: his wife of 38 years, Linda Schadel, Burdett, KS; three daughters, Traci (Daniel) Nuckolls, Burdett, KS, Trudi (Rod) Eldridge, Larned, KS, Tonya Schadel, Larned, KS; one son, Steven Schadel, Denver, CO; eight grandchildren, Erica, Eric (Stephanie), Kyle, Raylinn, Isaac, Jessica, Heather, Dallas (Jacob) and one great grandson, Landon, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son-in-law, Thomas Seltmann.
Funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm Tuesday, January 19th 2021 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Doug Ellison presiding. Service will be viewable via Facebook live at www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary. Visitation will be from 9 am to 8 pm Monday, January 18th 2021 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will be at the Browns Grove Cemetery, Burdett, KS with military honors.
Memorials may be given to American Legion Post 280, Burdett EMS or Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.
Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary
PO Box 477, 916 Main St.
Larned, KS 67550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 20, 2021
